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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3/12/2015 - City Arts Commission - 01 Draft MinutesDRAFT Newport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, February 12, 2015 – 5:00 PM City Council Chambers I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER Chair Goldberg called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM. II. ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Rita Goldberg, Chair Arlene Greer, Vice Chair Caroline Logan, Secretary Judy Chang Lynn Selich Robert Smith Charles Ware Staff Present: Tim Hetherton, Library Services Director Elaine McMillion, Administrative Support Specialist III. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - DRAFT Minutes – January 8, 2015 Motion made by Vice Chair Greer, seconded by Secretary Logan, and carried (7-0-0-0) to approve the minutes of January 8, 2015. AYES: Goldberg, Greer, Logan, Chang, Selich, Smith, Ware NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: None V. CURRENT BUSINESS A. PRESENTATION Ben Carlson Foundation - Presentation by the Ben Carlson Foundation on their proposal for the Ben Carlson memorial sculpture. Ben Carlson Foundation Board Member Josh Yocam introduced Board Member Jake Janz provided an update on the development and design of the statue in memory of Ben Carlson as well as the interactive nature of the statue and the landscape team that was engaged for the project. Mr. Yocam provided a timeline of the process and addressed steps to promote ocean safety and providing a legacy to lifeguards in all beach-side communities. He addressed City Council directives, desired location sites, working with the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission, the concept, proposed materials, use of technology and the effects of social media. He asked that the City Arts Commission consider placing this as an action item on the Commission's next agenda and invited members of the Commission to attend lifeguard trials on Sunday, March 8, 2015, at 9:00 AM, and the dedication of the Lifeguard Headquarters. Newport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes February 12, 2015 Page 2 Jake Janz commented on ways of using technology to create the interactive statue and reported working with Rich McDonald, Jr. in its development as well as Lifescapes International, which offered to work on the project, pro bono, as well as Valley Crest. Chair Goldberg thanked them for the presentation. Commissioner Smith commented on the availability of different grades of stainless steel and ensuring that the material used will hold up, close to the ocean. He suggested the possibility of placing the statue at grade, to facilitate "selfies" and increased interaction. Mr. Janz reported that they have considered removing the pedestal but that placing it at grade may be too low. He added that it will be a great presence and will carry the presence of a hero and commented on increasing interactivity through design and landscape. Mr. Yocam addressed the importance of durability and the sculpture being "touchable" and interactive. Mr. Janz addressed using the highest level of stainless steel and using a matte finish. Commissioner Ware expressed appreciation for the presentation and commented positively on the vision and honoring lifeguards, at large. He reported that often, public art is not successful because it is positioned without regard to its context. He hoped that there will be an opportunity to position the art integrally, with the design of the public space in which it fits. Mr. Yocam extended an invitation to the Commission to participate in the walk-throughs of both perspective sites. Commissioner Ware commented on the difficulty in retrofitting a physical setting. Mr. Yocam reported speaking with Deputy City Manager Steve Badum, who stated there will be redevelopment of the McFadden Wharf area. Commissioner Selich commented on a piece on Ocean Boulevard in Long Beach and others in terms of taking "selfies". She added that placing a piece at ground level, brings it to a more humanistic form. She noted that raising it up or keeping it at ground level will depend on the location. In response to her question, Mr. Janz addressed the difference between stainless steel and bronze noting that bronze is more traditional but that in terms of durability, either material would work. He added that the finish will be matte and addressed upkeep and maintenance. Mr. Janz commented on Ben's high level of respect for lifeguards and ocean safety and reported that artistically, he would like to incorporate the lifeguard cross at the base of the statue. Additionally, he commented on the possibility of honoring donors by having their names engraved on stones. He noted the need for the Commission's approval and noted that whatever needs to be done, they will do. Brief discussion followed regarding placement of the statue near the beach and the process for moving forward. Chair Goldberg commented on next steps to place the matter on a future agenda. Newport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes February 12, 2015 Page 3 Mr. Yocam asked that if not for next month's agenda, the Arts Commission consider placing on April's agenda. Chair Goldberg noted that the statue must be a one-of-a-kind, original piece. In response to Secretary Logan's question, Library Services Director Tim Hetherton reported that the piece will become part of the City's inventory of art. In terms of intellectual property rights, that is something that can be worked out with the City Attorney's office at a later date. Discussion followed regarding placing the matter on a future agenda. Vice Chair Greer asked regarding long-term maintenance of the piece and Mr. Yocam reported that the Foundation has considered setting aside 10% of the cost as a restoration and maintenance fund. Discussion followed regarding the possibility of establishing an endowment through the City, issues with the Coastal Commission and the need to review the timeline. B. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Correspondence and Press - Review of any Arts Commission correspondence and/or marketing materials that have been received. 2. Financial Report - Review of attached financial information. 3. Cultural Arts Activities - Monthly review of cultural arts activities from the Library Administrative Office for upcoming Library and City arts events and services. Motion made by Secretary Logan, seconded by Vice Chair Greer, and carried (7-0-0-0) to approve the Consent Calendar. AYES: Goldberg, Greer, Logan, Chang, Selich, Smith, Ware NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: None C. ITEMS FOR REVIEW AND POSSIBLE ACTION 1. New Subcommittee Formation - Chair Goldberg will appoint a new Ad Hoc Subcommittee to address the cultivation of collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors for the benefit of cultural arts in the City of Newport Beach. Chair Goldberg commented on the need to form an entity to address the cultivation and collaboration between public and private sectors to benefit cultural arts in the City. For that purpose, she stated she would like to form a new Ad Hoc Subcommittee and part of the charge would be identifying various people that are interested in furthering the arts in the community and coming up with effective ways to bring more art to the City. She appointed Commissioners Selich and Chang as well as Vice Chair Greer to the subcommittee, with Commissioner Selich as the Chair. Chair Goldberg added that the subcommittee will provide regular monthly reports to the Arts Commission. Newport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes February 12, 2015 Page 4 Concerts on the Green/Shakespeare by the Sea - The City Arts Commission will be asked to approve the performers for the 2015 Concert on the Green series. Staff will update the City Arts Commission on the 2015 Shakespeare by the Sea series. Chair Goldberg introduced the item and reported that the dates for the 2015 Concert on the Green series have been finalized. In response to her inquiry, Library Services Director Hetherton reported that staff is working with the artist for the August event. Chair Goldberg reported that a Motown Band will perform in June, an Irish Celtic Band will perform in July, and a Beatles Tribute Band will perform in September. Discussion followed regarding the possibility of a Bob Marley Tribute Band performing in August. Library Services Director Hetherton reported that Shakespeare by the Sea will perform The Tempest and As You Like It. Motion made by Secretary Logan, seconded by Vice Chair Greer, and carried (7-0-0-0) to approve the performers for the 2015 Concert on the Green series, as presented. AYES: Goldberg, Greer, Logan, Chang, Selich, Smith, Ware NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: None 2. Newport Beach Art Exhibition and Sale - Staff will update the City Arts Commission on the 2015 Newport Beach Art Exhibition and Sale and ask the Commission to approve Saturday June 13th as the date of the exhibition and that the exhibition be held in the Civic Center Community Room . Vice Chair Greer reported meeting with staff and stated that the first Committee meeting will be within the next seven days. She addressed the need for more funding and indicated that staff has recommended raising the entry fee from $15 to $30 with the possibility of raising the second entry, to $40. She noted the need for the Arts Commission to approve the date of the event as Saturday, June 13, 2015, at the City Civic Center Community Room. Motion made by Vice Chair Greer, seconded by, Secretary Logan, and carried (7-0-0-0) to approve Saturday, June 13th as the date of the 2015 Newport Beach Art Exhibition and Sale, raising the entry fee as noted, and that the exhibition be held in the Civic Center Community Room. AYES: Goldberg, Greer, Logan, Chang, Selich, Smith, Ware NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: None D. MONTHLY REPORTS 1. Newport Beach Sculpture Garden Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Commissioner Robert Smith (Chair), Chair Rita Goldberg, Commissioner Charles Ware Newport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes February 12, 2015 Page 5 Commissioner Smith reported that the Jonathan Prince sculpture, Red, will be in the City the week of March 16, 2015, for installation. That is the last of the ten sculptures. Commissioner Smith noted that the pad is in place and that there are funds in the pre-approved budget. Additionally, he reported that the piece by, Ivan McLean, who did the Sphere 112, has started to show some rust and the artist has offered to replace it, at his cost, with a newly-manufactured piece made of marine stainless steel. Commissioner Smith reported there will be a small cost to remove the existing piece and requested placing the matter on the Arts Commission March agenda. He added that the Foundation is interested in acquiring that piece and donating it to the City. Chair Goldberg thanked Commissioner Smith for his work and efforts relative to the Sculpture Garden. 2. Civic Center Art Placement Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Secretary Caroline Logan (Chair), Commissioner Charles Ware Secretary Logan deferred to Commissioner Ware for a report noting that he has done an incredible job putting it together. Commissioner Ware reported steps taken in this endeavor so far, and addressed areas for the placement of art. He stated that the emphasis is on interior spaces, although there are some adjoining exterior spaces as well that deserve consideration. He addressed several plans for each proposed site, size considerations and unique attributes and reported that a set of preliminary strategies has been defined for each area. Additionally, Commissioner Ware addressed next steps, prioritization of sites, distributing the art for a wide-spread benefit, and working with the Orange County Museum of Art to select preliminary pieces in order to present first-phase recommendations to Council. Discussion followed regarding the period for which the pieces will be on loan to the City, opportunities to reach out to other museums to form collaborative partnerships and making a coordinated effort in terms of a unifying theme in a specific area. Chair Goldberg encouraged Commissioner Ware to meet with Council Member Peotter, who is well- acquainted with the Ahmanson family, in an effort to determine whether they might be interested in loaning their collection. In response to Commissioner Ware's inquiry regarding a timeline, Chair Goldberg stated that given the lack of a budget, there is no timeline. Discussion followed regarding the lobby wall, including the display cases to exhibit collectables, the possibility of displaying a semi-permanent collection, collaborating with the Board of Library Trustees for submissions and past displays. 3. Arts Master Plan Steering Committee - Chair Rita Goldberg (Chair) , Vice Chair Arlene Greer, Secretary Caroline Logan Chair Goldberg noted there is nothing to report on this matter, at this time. Commissioner Ware reported that at Council's Planning Session, all of the Master Plans utilized by the City were on display, except the Arts Master Plan. He asked regarding ensuring that art and culture are well-represented with City Council. Newport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes February 12, 2015 Page 6 Chair Goldberg stated she hopes for an opportunity to include that topic in a future study session to outline the benefits of supporting and enhancing art for the community. Commissioner Selich stated she has spoken with Chair Goldberg about putting together a slate of speakers made up of prominent art dealers and philanthropists to provide a presentation at the Library to move the argument in support of public art. She added that the Arts Commission should explore ways to engage new Council Members. 4. Arts Foundation Liaison Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Commissioner Robert Smith Commissioner Smith reported that the Foundation's next monthly meeting will be February 17, 2015, at his home, at 6:00 PM. He reported that they are working on holding more "Evenings at Galleries", recruit new members and continue planning for "Art in the Park". 5. Fine Arts Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Vice Chair Arlene Greer (Chair), Commissioners Judy Chang and Lynn Selich Vice Chair Greer referenced The Illustrated Courtroom: Famous Trials in Pictures currently on display at the Central Library and noted that the Arts Commission has not been involved in that. She reported that the art on exhibit is attributed to a lecture that will take place the beginning of March. She addressed an interruption in the exhibition schedule and reported that the Library’s Ruth Hynds collection will be exhibited in March. She listed upcoming exhibitions through October. She hoped that the display cases can be implemented and reported that the committee is in the process of researching a historical photography exhibition. Additionally, she listed past exhibitions in which the display cases had been used and addressed the refinement of some of the guidelines for the acceptance of art and improving communication between potential donors and the Commission. 6. Performing Arts Ad Hoc Subcommittee - Chair Rita Goldberg, Commissioners Arlene Greer and Lynn Selich Chair Goldberg commented on scheduling summer programs and reported that dates and contracts should be nailed down by the next Arts Commissioner meeting. Discussion followed regarding the operation of Concerts on the Green and possible challenges. It was noted that there have been no incidents and that all seems to be working. VI. CITY ARTS COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MATTERS WHICH MEMBERS WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION, ACTION OR REPORT (NON-DISCUSSION ITEM) Discussion followed regarding Council's directives, the Arts Commission purview, various considerations needed in terms of the Ben Carlson statue and communicating to Council that the Arts Commission is advising relative to the process. Motion made by Chair Goldberg, seconded by, Commissioner Ware, and carried (7-0-0-0) to move forward with the next step regarding the Ben Carlson statue, proceeding with the concept of collaboration with private entities and considering representational art for the Sculpture Garden by placing these matters on the Arts Commission next agenda. Newport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes February 12, 2015 Page 7 AYES: Goldberg, Greer, Logan, Chang, Selich, Smith, Ware NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: None Commissioner Smith stated he would like the Commission to consider the matter of installing a new Sphere 112 to replace the current one. He reported that he will have an estimate of the costs to remove the piece and requested placing the matter on the Arts Commission March agenda. Motion made by Commissioner Smith, seconded by, Vice Chair Greer, and carried (7-0-0-0) to consider the matter of installing a new Sphere 12 to replace the current one and costs to remove the piece. AYES: Goldberg, Greer, Logan, Chang, Selich, Smith, Ware NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: None Chair Goldberg added Commissioner Selich's request to put together a slate of speakers made up of prominent art dealers and philanthropists to provide a presentation at the Library to move the argument in support of public art. Motion made by Commissioner Selich, seconded by, Vice Chair Greer, and carried (7-0-0-0) to place consideration of putting together a slate of speakers made up of prominent art dealers and philanthropists to provide a presentation at the Library to move the argument in support of public art. AYES: Goldberg, Greer, Logan, Chang, Selich, Smith, Ware NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: None Library Services Director Hetherton requested approval from the Arts Commission for the restoration of Seagulls in Flight statue at the Corona del Mar Library so that it can be proudly displayed either at the branch or somewhere else in the City. Discussion followed regarding the availability of reserves for restoration of pieces. Motion made by Chair Goldberg, seconded by, Secretary Logan, and carried (7-0-0-0) to direct staff to proceed with obtaining quotes for the restoration of Eagles in Flight, currently at the Corona del Mar Library. AYES: Goldberg, Greer, Logan, Chang, Selich, Smith, Ware NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: None Newport Beach City Arts Commission Meeting Minutes February 12, 2015 Page 8 VII. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Jim Mosher referenced Monthly Report No. 6 and reported that he is aware there is a resident who lives across the Civic Center, who has repeatedly requested Council to look into the possibility of using directional speakers to reduce the noise impacts. VIII. ADJOURNMENT – 6:28 PM Submitted by: _________________________